The Middle Atlas is a solid
mountainous mass of 350 km in length in the northeast of Morocco with a
unique charm. Its wealth of biodiversity, both in fauna and flora, make
the Middle Atlas a popular tourist destination. Extensive forests of
cedar spread over the mountains slopes, intersected by deep valleys.

Bordered by the rich Plaine du
SaÔs and the cities of Fez, Meknes and Beni Mellal,
the mountainous reaches of the Middle Atlas are the stronghold of Berber
tribes, speaking Tamazight and living at very low population
densities.

The Middle Atlas is crossed by one
of the principal access roads to the south Marocain, connecting Fez
with Tafilalet. The Middle Atlas ends in the east at Tazekka
National Park, with a landscape replete with narrow canyons and caves.
In the south of Sefrou, the forests of cedars, Holm Oak and Cork Oak alternate with small lakes full of fish. The jewel of the
Middle Atlas is Ifrane National Park, located between Khenifra
and Ifrane.

Things to See & Do

The Middle Atlas is an area of Morocco that,
surprisingly, doesnít get much attention from outdoor enthusiasts who
prefer the slopes of Oukaimden and the
High Atlas Mountains where they scale to the summit of Mount
Toubkal. However, with an altitude in most places over one-mile (1.6
km), the
Middle Atlas
shouldnít be overlooked if youíre searching for an alpine experience.
Because of its elevation, the Middle Atlas experiences snow during the
winter months and a cool climate during the summer.

Winter in the Middle Atlas
can be as extreme as that of the High Atlas.
With snow and significant precipitation that falls from November through
April, the soil of its forests and grasslands in the lower altitudes
bring nutritional prosperity to millions. If you come between December
and March, be sure to bring your snowshoes, cross-country, downhill
skis, or even a snowboard. You can also rent them from one of the many
higher-end hotels in Ifrane. The slopes of Michlifen are
where most Moroccans and tourists choose to flock. However, if you
continue on the same road towards Errachidia and Midelt,
the surrounding hills provide much more freedom and flexibility for any
of the aforementioned activities.

On a sunny day, you can
park alongside the road and trek the open terrain. If youíve packed your
windsurfing gear, try gliding around any of the sizeable lakes you come
across. You will most likely be the only person around, but you might
happen upon a Berber town, or spot shepherds who know the hills better
than anyone. These once warring Berber tribesman are some of the nicest
people that youíll meet in all of Morocco. Donít be surprised if you are
invited for tea in one of their rocky, adobe-like houses.

Rolling ridges run from Fez
to Marrakech
with cedar forests scattered along the way. In the Azrou
and Ifrane
areas, Barbary apes watch from their upper canopies. Additionally, the
Middle Atlas has some of the best trout and
fly-fishing in Africa. As the season begins in March, Moroccans and
foreigners alike don their gear and their fishing passes as early as 4
a.m. to ensure a worthwhile catch. If you are in the Azrou or
Ifrane area, get your one-day pass the day before your trip. It will
cost around 100 Dirhams (£6/9 EUR).

The Middle Atlas is by far
one of the best-kept secrets of outdoor splendour in all of Morocco.
Stay there for a day or two and head for the cedars to see the monkeys,
snowshoe the hills, fly-fish the streams, or windsurf its lakes. Make
sure to breathe in plenty of the fresh air as the views and the altitude
can leave you breathless.

Enquiries & Booking

To enquire about or to book a personalized private
Middle Atlas Mountain tour, please call us on +44(0)7713 615829 or send an email to
enquiries@erlebnis-tours-maroc.com
to discuss your itinerary and prices.